The Conference on Cyprus convened today, 12 January 2017, in Geneva, under the auspices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, with the participation of H.E. Mr. Mustafa Akinci and H.E. Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, the Foreign Ministers of Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom as guarantor powers and in the presence of the European Union as an observer.

The Conference commended Mr. Anastasiades and Mr. Akinci for the remarkable progress made over the past 20 months in the Cyprus talks. It was only thanks to their dedicated work that it was possible to convene the Conference today. This is the first time that brought all together to discuss the chapter of security and guarantees, the sixth and last chapter of the negotiations.

The discussions today underscored the participants’ intention to find mutually acceptable solutions on security and guarantees that address the concerns of both communities. They recognized that the security of one community cannot come at the expense of the security of the other. They also acknowledged the need to address the traditional security concerns of the two communities while at the same time developing a security vision for a future united federal Cyprus.

The participants recognized that this is the time to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion. This is a historic opportunity that should not be missed. The participants therefore committed to supporting the process towards a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus.

The common objectives outlined above will require concerted efforts by all concerned over the course of the next days.

Therefore, to this end, they decided to continue the Conference, in line with established precedent, with the following steps:

* Establish a working group at the level of deputies. This group will commence its work on 18 January. Its task will be to identify specific questions and the instruments needed to address them.

* In parallel, the negotiations on outstanding issues in the other chapters will continue between the two sides in Cyprus.

* The Conference will continue at political level immediately thereafter to review the outcome of the working group’s discussions.

The Conference confirmed the full commitment of the three guarantor powers to support reaching a comprehensive settlement.

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President Akıncı’s opening speech at the five party
conference on Cyprus

Today, in this monumental building, we are taking a historical step on the way towards changing the destiny of the unfortunate Mediterranean island of Cyprus. I feel happy and privileged to be among those who are contributing to his important development.

This gathering, where the two sides in Cyprus come together with the guarantor countries, may not produce results straight away. However, I believe that time is of essence and we do not have long to achieve the
desired results.

The UN sponsored negotiations to find a solution to the 54 year old Cyprus problem has entered its 49th year. We no longer have the luxury to spend more time on solving the Cyprus question. As I always state, Nicos Anastasiades and myself belong to the same generation and are well aware of the fact that this is the last trial of our generation.

Therefore, I strongly believe that failure is not an option for us. Since failure will bring about the permanent division of our island, a result which is not desired by any side.

A bi-communal, bi-zonal federal settlement based on two politically equal constituent states in Cyprus, will not only benefit the two communities of the island but shall lead to positive results affecting a much broader region in the area.

Above all, a new state of affairs will be established whereby the two communities will live in equality, freedom and security. The Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots who shared the agonies of the past, shall then be able to prosper together and share the benefits and potential opportunities of the Island.

Not only the North, butCyprus as a whole, shall take its place as a friendly geography in the vicinity of Turkey. As a result, Greek Cypriots will also start enjoying the advantages of developing friendly relations with an important country like Turkey.

The relations between Turkey and Greece will be positively affected and furthermore, the way for more positive developments in the relations of Turkey and the European Union shall be reopened.

Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will have the opportunity to jointly enjoy the benefits of the natural gas resources situated in the Eastern Mediterranean. The solution of the Cyprus problem will provide for the joint transportation of Israel and Cyprus natural gasses to Europe through Turkey which definitely is the shortest and most economic route. The water from Turkey that has already been brought to North Cyprus through a pipeline can be distributed throughout the island for the benefit of all inhabitants. All these will not only help economic development but contribute to furthering feeling of security.

Since my election in April 2015, we intensely worked with Nicos Anastasiades in determination and political will in order to bring the negotiation process to this stage. The negotiators of both sides and their negotiating teams have also put a great deal of effort and time to this end. The contribution of our people, in general and civil society, in particular, is also noteworthy. As the Turkish Cypriot side, I should specifically mention the positive contributions of Turkey whose support to this process has always been felt.

I hope and trust that during the Conference commencing today, Turkey and the other guarantor countries, Greece and the United Kingdom, shall extend the necessary support to Turkish and Greek Cypriots to step towards a new era in the Island. Naturally, the insecurities which have been brought about by the bitter experiences of the past shall not disappear within a day. In time and parallel to the deepening of the new federal structure, the increase in opportunities for regional cooperation and the development of mutual interdependency, mutual trust shall inevitably take root. However, this requires a period of time.

Until we reach that day, we need to be cautious and realistic. We need to understand the concerns of both communities on the island and anticipate the necessary measures and safeguards to provide for their elimination.

Undoubtedly, the Conference which commences today is also a very important event for the newly elected Secretary General, His Excellency Guterres.

Mr. Secretary-General,

I wish you great success at your new post and all future endevours. In our troubled region and in many different parts of the world, a lot of people are suffering. Your valuable efforts are much needed to put an end to their suffering. I extend my gratitude for adding Cyprus to your heavy agenda and being with us today at the opening of the conference.

I also wish to thank President Junker, who is here with us as an observer, for sparing his time. I have no doubt that he will be working towards providing the necessary support to Turkish Cypriots, who could not become a part of the European Union despite voting “yes” at the referendum 12 years ago, to take their well deserved place within the EU and make up for the time they lost.

Success at reaching a settlement will not be sufficient on its own. Providing for the implementation of the settlement and the need for a collective international effort for its financing is of paramount importance.

We are filled with the excitement of being able to set a peaceful example in our region where we witness the terrible agonies inflicted by war almost every day. Undoubtedly, there is still hard work to be done, maybe less in numbers but more difficult in essence. What is needed is reason and realism in order to overcome the remaining difficulties.I sincerely believe that we have room for hope if we commence this conference in goodwill and with a shared vision to produce positive results.

I welcome the real progress made towards finding a solution to the Cyprus settlement over the last few days, in particular on the future security of a united Cyprus. Expert talks will start on 18 January ahead of further political level talks later this month. With continued commitment and political will I believe a historical agreement is within reach.

I welcome the continued courage and commitment that has been shown by both sides. The talks in Geneva on the Cyprus settlement offer both sides a unique opportunity to find a solution. The UK fully supports the settlement process and is ready and willing to help in any way it can.

I hope that all those involved will approach the talks with a sense of openness and flexibility. I believe that if approached in this light, a solution is in reach to bring lasting peace to Cyprus.

Further information :

* The current round of Cyprus settlement negotiations started in May 2015 and has been led by the leaders of the 2 communities, facilitated by the UN.

* The UK is attending the Geneva talks from 12 January as a Guarantor Power (under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee). As such we have a longstanding commitment – alongside our Guarantor Power partners, Greece and Turkey – to support the 2 communities as they work to find a successful solution to the Cyprus problem.

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High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini’s Remarks:

I have spoken in the last hours to both Cypriot leaders Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akıncı, who updated me on the state of play of the talks following their discussions in Mont Pèlerin.

During the calls, I expressed the EU’s continuous support to the process under the auspices of the UN and Special Envoy Espen Barth Eide, and to the remarkable efforts of the two leaders. They both confirmed their determination to continue the process. This is a historic opportunity for the people of the island, for the region, for Europe; it cannot be missed.

The EU supports this historic opportunity to settle the Cypriot issue after 40 years, in the heart of Europe and Mediterranean, and is looking forward to welcoming a united Cyprus.